New York
Refs Lyrics

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New York isn't New York without you, love
So far in a few blocks to be solo

And if I called you from First Avenue
Well, you're the only motherfucker in the city who can handle me

New love wasn't new love, back to you love
So much for a home run with some blue bloods

If I last-strawed you on 8th Avenue
Well, you're the only motherfucker in the city who can stand me

I have lost a hero
I have lost a friend
But for you, darling
I'd do it all again
I have lost a hero
I have lost a friend
But for you, darling
I'd do it all again

New York isn't New York without you, love
Too few of our old crew left on Astor

So, if I trade our hood for some Hollywood
Well you're the only motherfucker in the city who would
Only motherfucker in the city who would
Only motherfucker in the city who'd forgive me

I have lost a hero
I have lost a friend
But for you, darling
I'd do it all again
I have lost a hero
I have lost a friend

But for you, darling
I'd do it all again

Overall Meaning

Refs's song "New York" is an ode to a lost love in the city that never sleeps. The artist declares that "New York isn't New York without you, love," indicating the deep attachment he has to someone who is no longer with him. It becomes clear that he has tried to move on, stating, "New love wasn't new love, back to you love, so much for a home run with some blue bloods." However, his heart remains tied to this individual, and even if he were to leave the city for Hollywood, "you're the only motherfucker in the city who would forgive me."

The reference to specific New York locations, such as First Avenue, 8th Avenue, and Astor, adds to the emotional depth of the song. These are neighborhoods that hold memories of the lost love, and without that person, they feel empty and incomplete. The artist is acknowledging that he has "lost a hero" and "lost a friend," but for this particular person, he would do it all again.

Overall, "New York" captures the complex emotions that come with losing someone important and the difficulty of moving forward without them. The city, a bustling, vibrant place full of life, feels incomplete without that special person by his side.

Line by Line Meaning

New York isn't New York without you, love
Being in New York alone is not worth it if you're not with the one you love.

So far in a few blocks to be solo
Even though I'm only a few blocks away, being alone makes it feel like I'm far away.

And if I called you from First Avenue
If I called you from First Avenue in Manhattan, it would be because I need someone who can handle me.

Well, you're the only motherfucker in the city who can handle me
You're the only person I know who is capable of understanding me and can handle my personality.

New love wasn't new love, back to you love
Trying to find new love was not successful, so I'm returning to the one I already had.

So much for a home run with some blue bloods
I thought I had found someone special from a wealthy background, but it didn't work out as I had hoped.

If I last-strawed you on 8th Avenue
If I messed up and caused the end of our relationship on 8th Avenue, it would be because I need someone who can stand me.

Well, you're the only motherfucker in the city who can stand me
You're the only one who can handle my flaws and still choose to be with me.

I have lost a hero
I have lost someone who was special to me and who I looked up to.

I have lost a friend
I have lost someone who was close to me.

But for you, darling / I'd do it all again
Despite the losses, I would still choose to be with you and go through it all again.

Too few of our old crew left on Astor
There aren't many people left in our old group of friends who still hang out on Astor place.

So, if I trade our hood for some Hollywood
If I decide to leave New York and move to Hollywood, it would be because I know you're the only one who would understand and forgive me.

Well you're the only motherfucker in the city who would
You're the only person in New York who would forgive me for leaving and still support me.

Only motherfucker in the city who would
You're the only one I know who would understand and respect my decision.

Only motherfucker in the city who'd forgive me
You're the only person I know who would forgive me for leaving and still love me.

Writer(s): ANNIE CLARK, JACK ANTONOFF

Contributed by Ryan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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